I love watches!

I have always liked watches; from my first one (when as a kid) which I opened up to see the 'works', to the many I've owned--and sometimes lost--over the years.I have some gems in my collection; including a original, limited edition Hughes digital; Two Zodiacs and my latest, inexpensive, Armitron analog and a vintage era Mickey Mouse. Cost is not the factor--although it is an issue. I'm just drawn to them; and, many are still on my wish list.

Big Band Sheet Music....., has stories to tell.

This might generate a few thoughts. You know, when You're a member of a band, the actual 'sheet music' is a constant. Players come and go--in most cases; but, the same sheet music remains for all those who pass pass through to READ. Open a big band folder, and rarely--unless it was just passed out--is a piece of music void of 'stuff' other than title, credits, notes and staves, etc. Along with sometimes being raggedy, frayed, coffee stained--don't leave the cup there; the stand is already tilted and Murphy's law lurks...:-)}--, ...cigarette burned or otherwise soiled; are the marks, note changes,etc. made by previous players of the part. Then, it can go off the hook--phone numbers, meaningless scribbles, drawings--including eyeglasses with dot eyes(helpful here because it noted a passage to 'watch out for'), cartoons, jokes, signatures, dates,etc. One thing I found funny, and always remember; is a prior player had crossed out the title 'Eleanor Rigby' , and wrote--with a marker: 'Bilbo Bagby'................; go figure. I guess its a 'leaving your mark' thing.................:-)}

The Buzz Starts Here

Although, I don't play my lower brass horns--King 3B Silversonic slide/valve trombone, Conn 8H and King Bb Flugabone-- much these days, when I do, I use my custom made Giardinelli 4M. I've been using it since the late 60's. I had it fitted at the famous mouthpiece makers NYC store. It is gold plated, has a removable screw on cushion rim and was later( approx. 1968) retro fitted with a pick up for use with amplified and electronic equipment. A small mic--used either direct or via preamp--has been used with The King Vox box, various amps, Echoplex, guitar effects pedals, etc. over the years. I also experimented with it during recordings--going direct into the board(console), mic into 1 channel & direct into another, etc. With all brass instruments, your mouthpiece is your friend. It's where the buzz starts to make music!

South Africa Recordings

Happy to this post a copy(link) of one of Electriclive blogs here--thanks for all of your efforts Chris. http://electricjive.blogspot.com/2012/02/song-of-soweto-mallory-hall-band-1974.html